ATI RN
ATI RN Mental Health Proctored Exam Questions
Question 1 of 5
A nursing instructor is preparing for a class discussion on polypharmacy and older adults. Which of the following would the instructor expect to include?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because older adults are more likely to experience adverse reactions due to physiological changes that affect drug metabolism and elimination. Aging can lead to decreased organ function, altered drug distribution, and increased sensitivity to medications. This increased risk for adverse reactions is a key consideration when discussing polypharmacy in older adults. Choice A is incorrect because the focus is on drug abuse, which is not the main concern when discussing polypharmacy in older adults. Choice C is incorrect because medications are typically started at lower doses and adjusted as needed to minimize adverse effects. Choice D is incorrect because age-related pharmacokinetic changes can actually reduce drug effectiveness or increase the risk of toxicity, rather than enhance therapeutic effectiveness.
Question 2 of 5
A client who is receiving lithium comes to the clinic for an evaluation. During the visit, the client reports a fine hand tremor. Which action by the nurse would be most appropriate?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Step-by-step rationale: 1. Fine hand tremor is a common side effect of lithium. 2. Assisting the client in minimizing exposure to stressors is most appropriate as stress can exacerbate tremors. 3. Stress management can help reduce tremors without needing to adjust medication dosage. 4. Obtaining blood drug level is not necessary for managing tremors. 5. Taking medication with meals or elevating hand would not directly address the underlying cause of tremors.
Question 3 of 5
A psychiatric mental health nurse working in the community is planning an educational program for fifth and sixth grade teachers. Which of the following would the nurse include?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because discussing strategies to counteract the role media plays in encouraging eating disorders is crucial for promoting healthy body image and preventing eating disorders among students. Media portrayal of unrealistic body standards can negatively impact children's self-esteem and body image. By educating teachers on strategies to address these influences, they can help students develop a positive relationship with food and their bodies. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because: B: Focusing prevention efforts solely on female students overlooks the fact that eating disorders can affect individuals of all genders. C: Allowing students to eat without undue attention is important, but solely focusing on this aspect does not address the broader issue of media influence. D: Peer pressure can still be a significant factor in influencing behaviors, even among fifth and sixth-grade students. Dismissing its relevance can lead to overlooking important preventive measures.
Question 4 of 5
The nurse is counseling a family whose child has autism. When describing this condition, which of the following would the nurse most likely include?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Onset before child is 2.5 years old. This is because autism spectrum disorder typically presents in early childhood, with symptoms becoming noticeable before the age of 2.5 years. Early intervention is crucial for improving outcomes. A: Connection to ineffective parental practices is incorrect as autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder with genetic and environmental factors. B: Detection after the child enters school is incorrect as early signs of autism can be observed much earlier. D: Girls are more frequently affected than boys is incorrect as autism is diagnosed more frequently in boys than girls.
Question 5 of 5
A nurse is teaching a group of hospitalized clients who have co-occurring disorders involving cognitive disorders and alcoholism about the relapse cycle. Which statement would the nurse most likely include during this teaching session?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because it accurately describes the relapse cycle for individuals with co-occurring cognitive disorders and alcoholism. Step 1: Discharged from the hospital, leading to using alcohol instead of medication. Step 2: Alcohol use leads to resurfacing of psychiatric symptoms. Step 3: Rehospitalization and control of symptoms with medications. Step 4: Cycle repeats after discharge. Other choices lack the comprehensive explanation of the relapse cycle, such as hallucinations being the sole trigger (B), unrelated alcoholism and psychiatric illness (C), and the cycle being solely triggered by attempts to stop drinking (D).